How many calories are in one cheese coney?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data from popular Cincinnati chains, the calorie count for a single cheese coney typically ranges from 300 to 350 calories, though variations exist. This classic fast-food item features a hot dog smothered in chili, topped with chopped onions, mustard, and a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.

Quick Summary

The calorie and nutritional content of a cheese coney varies based on the specific recipe and brand. A breakdown of the components, including the hot dog, chili, cheese, and bun, helps illustrate the overall energy intake. Brand-specific examples provide a clearer picture of what to expect from this Cincinnati classic.

Key Points

Calories Range: A single cheese coney typically contains between 300 and 350 calories, though this can vary by brand and ingredients.
Key Ingredients: The calorie count is a sum of its parts: the hot dog, chili, cheese, and bun, with the chili and cheese being significant contributors.
Brand Variations: Skyline Chili's version is often cited around 340-350 calories, while Gold Star's is closer to 300-310 calories.
Nutrient Profile: Coneys are typically high in fat and sodium, providing a moderate amount of protein and carbohydrates.
Healthier Homemade Options: For a lower-calorie alternative, use leaner meats, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat buns.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying a cheese coney in moderation is possible within a balanced diet.
Ingredient Impact: Changes to the type of hot dog, amount of chili, or cheese can drastically alter the final nutritional value.

Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Cheese Coney

Determining the exact number of calories in a single cheese coney can be tricky, as it depends on the ingredients used by a specific restaurant or recipe. However, analyzing the nutritional value of its constituent parts can provide a clearer picture.

The Core Components and Their Calories

The Hot Dog: The type of hot dog can greatly influence the calorie count. A standard beef or pork frankfurter contains an average of 140 to 180 calories, with fat being a significant contributor. Some varieties, like natural casing franks favored in traditional recipes, may have slightly different profiles.
The Chili: This is one of the most variable components. Cincinnati-style chili, known for its unique spices and thinner consistency, adds a substantial amount of calories from both the ground beef and fat. Depending on the portion size and recipe, the chili topping can contribute anywhere from 80 to 150 calories or more.
The Cheese: A generous topping of finely shredded cheddar cheese is a hallmark of the cheese coney. Cheddar cheese is calorie-dense, and a typical serving can add between 110 and 150 calories to the final product.
The Bun: A standard steamed hot dog bun is a primary source of carbohydrates. A single bun can add approximately 100 to 120 calories.
Mustard and Onions: While mustard and chopped onions add negligible calories individually, they are essential parts of the authentic coney experience.

Comparative Nutrition from Cincinnati's Top Chili Parlors

When comparing the nutritional information from the two most famous Cincinnati chili chains, Skyline and Gold Star, we see slight variations.


Feature	Skyline Chili Cheese Coney	Gold Star Chili Cheese Coney	Notes
Calories	Approximately 340-350 calories	Approximately 300-310 calories	Slight variation based on toppings (e.g., plain vs. with mustard/onion).
Total Fat	Around 23g	Around 18g	Gold Star typically reports slightly less fat.
Sodium	Around 880-1020mg	Around 790-900mg	Sodium content is high for both due to chili and hot dog.
Carbohydrates	Around 22-25g	Around 21-23g	Includes bun and components within the chili.
Protein	Around 18g	Around 14g	Derived from the hot dog and chili meat.

As the table demonstrates, a cheese coney from Skyline has a slightly higher calorie count, fat content, and sodium level than one from Gold Star, based on available data. These differences can be attributed to specific recipe variations in chili, hot dogs, and cheese portions.

Making a Healthier Cheese Coney at Home

For those who love the taste but want to reduce the calories, making a homemade version allows for better control over ingredients. Here are some tips for a lighter cheese coney:

Use leaner protein: Opt for a turkey or chicken hot dog to reduce fat and calories. Similarly, make your chili with extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey, or lentils.
Control the cheese: Use a reduced-fat cheddar cheese or simply use a smaller portion of full-fat cheese to still get the signature flavor. Pre-shredded cheese also works, but shredding from a block can sometimes help you use less.
Choose a whole-wheat bun: This can increase the fiber content and nutritional value of your meal.
Increase vegetables: Add more diced onions than typical to bulk up the coney with fewer calories. Consider adding other vegetable toppings like finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a flavor and nutrient boost.

The Role of Moderation in Fast Food Consumption

While cheese coneys are not a low-calorie food, they can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. The key lies in moderation. Treating them as an occasional indulgence rather than a dietary staple is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Pay attention to portion sizes and balance your meal with lighter options throughout the rest of your day. For example, if you have a coney for lunch, consider a light salad for dinner.

Understanding the Macronutrient Profile

For those tracking macronutrients, a cheese coney is relatively balanced but high in fat and sodium. It provides a decent amount of protein from the hot dog and chili, carbohydrates from the bun and chili, and a significant portion of fat primarily from the cheese and hot dog. Understanding this breakdown helps you fit the treat into your daily goals. For instance, a coney can be a satisfying meal, but it uses up a large portion of daily sodium and saturated fat allowances.

Conclusion

In summary, one cheese coney typically contains between 300 and 350 calories, with the exact number depending on the specific recipe and brand. Variations from Cincinnati chains like Skyline and Gold Star highlight the differences in preparation and ingredients. While high in fat and sodium, enjoying a cheese coney in moderation is perfectly acceptable within a balanced diet. For those seeking a healthier version, simple ingredient swaps at home can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Ultimately, understanding the nutritional information empowers you to make informed decisions about your food choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cheese coney is a specific type of hot dog served on a steamed bun, topped with Cincinnati-style chili, chopped onions, mustard, and a large mound of finely shredded cheddar cheese.

A Skyline Chili plain cheese coney typically contains approximately 340-350 calories, although variations with additional toppings like mustard or onions may alter this slightly.

A plain cheese coney from Gold Star Chili has around 300 calories, while one with mustard and onions may contain slightly more, approximately 310 calories.

Yes, you can make a healthier version at home by using leaner meats for the chili, choosing a reduced-fat cheese, and opting for a whole-wheat bun to increase fiber content.

The primary sources of calories in a cheese coney are the hot dog, the chili (particularly the meat and fat content), and the generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese.

Yes, cheese coneys are typically high in sodium, with versions from both Skyline and Gold Star often containing a significant percentage of the daily recommended intake.

You can fit a cheese coney into a balanced diet by enjoying it in moderation as an occasional treat. Pairing it with a side salad instead of fries and making lighter food choices for other meals can help balance your overall intake.

Yes, while the core components contribute the most calories, additional toppings like mustard and chopped onions can slightly increase the overall calorie count, though they are not major contributors.